Nestled on the corner of Fourth Avenue and 58th Street, the Irish Haven has been a neighborhood staple for over six decades. The no-frills, old-school Irish pub has not only stood the test of time but has flourished as a beloved community space, welcoming locals and visitors alike.
The bar, which first opened its doors in 1964, was founded by the Lawler family. After a brief transition, Matt Hogan, along with his business partners, the Collins family, took over in 2011, keeping the bar’s traditions alive while expanding its role as a communal gathering place.
“The bar has been here since 1964,” said Hogan. “We just had a big 60th anniversary last October, which was a huge program with bands, a lot of fun, food, and folks and fun, as they say. And it’s been a trip.”
For Hogan, the Irish Haven is more than just a bar — it’s a second home for many in the Sunset Park and Bay Ridge communities.
“Whether you’re Irish or not, it is the Irish Haven, but it’s really a haven for Sunset Park,” he said. “One of my favorite things about my involvement with the bar and Irish Haven’s essence has been just being the extension of people’s homes.”
Over the years, the Irish Haven has hosted everything from Irish language lessons and live music to baptism celebrations and immigration status parties. The bar’s welcoming atmosphere and deep-rooted connection to the neighborhood have made it an irreplaceable part of the community.
“It really just becomes a communal space where people can come in, vibe, hang out, and really get to know their neighbors,” Hogan said.
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Irish Haven is gearing up for its biggest event of the year.
“Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year, which for us is the biggest day of the year as an Irish bar,” said Hogan. “Even though it’s on a Monday, it’s still huge, and we celebrate the day on the day — just like the New York City parade does.”
The celebration kicks off bright and early at 8 a.m. on March 17, welcoming early risers who are heading into Manhattan for the annual parade. The Fourth Avenue watering hole has long been a pre-parade meeting spot for groups of firefighters, police officers, and families attending the festivities. The bar will be open until 4 a.m., ensuring a full day of revelry.
Patrons can enjoy traditional Irish music, step dancers, and fun festivities throughout the day. The bar will be giving away 330 pounds of corned beef, serving up sandwiches in the back room for hungry patrons. As a special treat, the Irish Haven is running a Guinness promotion from 8 a.m. to noon, offering pints for just $5 — “about $3 less than it goes for in the neighborhood,” according to Hogan.
The festivities don’t stop there. On Sunday, March 16, the Irish Haven will host a pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration following the Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Park Slope. The bar will feature live music and a “Guinness Challenge” at 6:00 p.m., where participants who skillfully drink their pint down to the “G” line on the Guinness glass can win a $50 bar tab.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” Hogan said of the lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. “The news usually passes by, we have step dancers that pop up, a guy walks by playing the bagpipes — it’s just Saint Patrick’s Day. And we’ve been doing it for 60 years here at the bar, so we look forward to doing it again.”
